What Is Auxiliary Heat And Why You Should Worry When It Stays On

As we’re nearing the coldest time of the year, it’s crucial to ensure that your heating system is working properly. If it’s not, now is the time to act, before the night-time weather consistently stays below freezing. Sometimes, you’re unaware of a heating system malfunction. For example, one of the most common heating system issues is heaters staying on auxiliary heat. First, this is not an issue if the temperature is low, normally below 32° F. However, you’ve got a problem if the weather gets warmer and your auxiliary heat stays on. When that happens, it’s time to call the professional technicians at Aspire Heating & Cooling. Stop wondering what is auxiliary heat and get the problem fixed now.

What Is Auxiliary Heat and What Does It Mean for Your Heater?

Has your heating system been stuck on aux heat? Perhaps your heating system isn’t working as effectively as it should be? Finally, has your heating bill been outrageously high over the past month? Thanks to our Aspire experts, you don’t have to wonder what is auxiliary heat and how to fix it. Hence, if you do have an aux heat issue, let us take care of it for you.

Before you call our heating experts, we want you to first know what auxiliary heat is. As you know, your heat pump works hard to heat your house. Unlike a furnace, a heat pump doesn’t create its own heat but takes heat from the outside air. The problem occurs when the temperature drops below freezing at 32° F, as there isn’t enough heat in the air. When that happens, your system switches to emergency heat, otherwise known as auxiliary heat. Besides a low temperature, your heat pump also goes onto emergency heat if there is ice frozen on its surface. Ice can happen if there is a problem with heat strips, which work to keep the outside defrosted. Additionally, sometimes your system has low refrigerant levels or a problem with the outdoor motor fans.

When Do You Not Want Auxiliary Heat On?

Basically, auxiliary heat uses electric resistance heating to heat your home. Since electric resistance heating is much less efficient than your heat pump, you only want it to be on when necessary. Otherwise, your auxiliary heat is working when it shouldn’t be and driving up the cost of your heating bill.

To recap, auxiliary, or emergency heat should only be on when the outside temperature is below freezing. Down here in the south, that should mostly happen at night and during the occasional snowstorm. However, if the weather is warmer and above the freezing level, your auxiliary heat should automatically turn off. If it doesn’t, then you’ve got a problem. So, don’t wait and run the risk of a complete system breakdown or a high heating bill. If your heating system is stuck on aux heat, call Aspire today.

Besides System Repairs, Aspire Also Does Installation and Regular Maintenance

In addition to heating repair, Aspire also does heating system installation and regular maintenance. Thus, if your heating system decides to bite the dust, let us professionally install a brand-new heating system for you. Lastly, the best way to prevent a system failure is with regular maintenance. This service allows us to regularly check your system and its equipment to ensure that everything is working efficiently. Therefore, stop the breakdowns before they happen with our fast and friendly routine maintenance. To learn more about any of our services or maintenance plans, call us at 336-936-9111. Keep your home heated this winter with the help of our professional mechanics.

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TRUST ONLY THE BEST

Finding the right HVAC company in the Winston-Salem area doesn’t have to be a chore. At Aspire Heating & Cooling we make things easy for you by providing upfront service, honest pricing, and reliable solutions that will let you enjoy long-term peace of mind. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the quality service you deserve. Just ask our loyal customers – take a look at their reviews here and see what you can expect when you schedule a service call with us.

Are you looking for the right Clemmons HVAC expert to be your new go-to resource? Call Aspire Heating & Cooling at 336-936-9111 and be on your way to improved indoor comfort in no time.